The Dallas Cowboys have nothing left to play for in Week 17 against the New York Giants. They’ve clinched the NFC East and are locked into the No. 4 seed. That would give them the opportunity to rest their stars, namely Ezekiel Elliott, ahead of the playoffs.

However, Zeke doesn’t plan on sitting out the entire game. Elliott has made it clear that he plans on playing some part in the season finale.

“I don’t think it really matters how many touches I would like to see, but I’m playing Sunday,” Elliott said per Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk.

Elliott is currently the league leader in rushing yards with 1,434. He has a 183-yard lead over Todd Gurley in second place, and the Rams RB might not even play in Week 17 due to a knee injury.

Article Continues Below
More Dallas Cowboys News
Dallas Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas (30) runs on to the field prior to the game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium.
Cowboys’ Juanyeh Thomas opens up about Mike McCarthy after ‘fun again’ postRichard Pereira ·
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (88) tries to break free from Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (13) during the first half Monday Night Football at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Monday, December 9, 2024.
Cowboys get ‘optimistic’ update on defensive starLorenzo J Reyna ·
cowboys, Mazi Smith
1 Dallas Cowboys player with most to prove at OTAsGarrett Kerman ·
Oct 13, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) prays before the game against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Dak Prescott has second child with fianceeMike Gianakos ·
Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa (97) reacts to sacking Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (not pictured) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium.
Cowboys’ Osa Odighizuwa talks up new DC Matt EberflusRichard Pereira ·
image thumbnail
Cowboys’ Tyler Guyton makes brutally honest admission on 2024 performanceDouglas Fritz ·

Elliott’s 1,434 rushing yards leads Todd Gurley by 183 yards and Saquon Barkley by 236. Gurley might not play Sunday because of left knee inflammation, which kept him out last week. Elliott did not hide the fact that he would like to win a second rushing title in three years.

“It means a lot. It definitely will be great,” Elliott said of a second rushing title. “I mean, I think I’m pretty close to locking it up. It’s definitely a great achievement, and I’ve just got to thank all those other guys on offense who helped make that possible.”

Considering that Elliott has a whopping 304 carries — 48 more than Gurley in second — he likely won’t play too many snaps against the Giants. The Cowboys need their workhorse back as healthy as possible for the playoffs and shouldn’t risk his health by playing in a meaningless game.